IAEA warns that the containment dome of the Chernobyl reactor has lost its isolation functions, increasing the risks of a new nuclear disaster.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that the protective shell of the damaged reactor at Chernobyl, which was harmed by a drone attack last year, has lost its main isolation functions, raising concerns about a possible new nuclear disaster. Although the structure did not suffer permanent damage, the loss of protective capacity increases the risks associated with the reactor's security, which was the site of the worst nuclear disaster in 1986. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi confirmed that the inspection mission found the loss of safety functions, but no permanent damage was identified to the supporting structures. The incident was caused by a drone that struck the site, according to Ukrainian authorities, who accuse Russia of the attack, although Moscow denies these accusations. The IAEA mentioned that radiation levels remained stable after the incident. Chernobyl remains a symbol of nuclear risks, and the reactor is protected by a metal structure called a 'sarcophagus', built to cover a shelter from the Soviet era.